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etiring that Tara and Heather immediately expressed interest in
purchasing The Cupboard. In January of 2018, they began transferring
ownership and officially took over as new owners in March.
“You know Jacque and Cindi had really done everything right.
We adore them and they remain close friends of ours,” said Tara.
“We could not have dreamed of a better transition. Cindi even comes
back and works with us from time to time. You don’t stay in business
for 46 years without learning a thing or two, and we just wanted to
build upon the success that both amazing owners put into motion.”
Heather agreed with Tara when she explained that Jacque and
Cindi had set a standard for customer service that was important to
them to continue.
“We strive to provide the best customer service—the same that
was started so many years ago. In a society that is so technology
driven, it’s easy to lose site of one-on-one service,” said Heather.
“It is not uncommon to walk through the door here and be called
by name, which is almost unheard of these days. One of our hashtags
on instagram is #whereeverybodyknowsyourname and that is
something we live by here, daily.”
Shortly after they took over as new owners, an opportunity arose
for Tara and Heather to relocate The Cupboard to the old Ratliff
Motor Company, which had also been a staple in the Clinton
community for many years. Now on the corner of College Street
and the Clinton Parkway, The Cupboard’s new location allows
them to be a part of the Olde Towne community and take part in
extra events throughout the year.
“The new location is amazing. Almost instantly, it felt like The
Cupboard had been there for years,” said Heather. “We are within
walking distance of Mississippi College which is proving to be great.
With the proximity to the college, The Cupboard is being exposed
to students and their parents who might not otherwise be familiar
with it.”
Although in the past few months The Cupboard has seen new
owners and a new location, Tara and Heather’s commitment to
quality products, impeccable service, and their employees, remains
the same.
“What drew us and our great customers to The Cupboard for
many years is the family atmosphere,” said Tara. “That atmosphere
is because of the employees, with many of them having worked
there for years. We wanted to keep all of that the same because they
are the heartbeat of The Cupboard and we’re so grateful to have
them a part of our family.”
While Tara’s commitment as program director of Main Street
Clinton limits the time she’s able to be physically at The Cupboard,
Heather brings her years of retail management experience to the
table and runs all of the day-to-day operations.
“Tara and I work really well together as a team. We’re sisters first
and we love each other, but we know that we each have different
gifts to offer and that, at the end of the day, it all comes full circle as
everyone uses their talents to work together,” said Heather. “Tara is
the vision and she’s able to see the big picture while I am extremely
organized and am able to put those pieces together and make sure
things get done on a daily basis.”
Tara echoed Heather’s sentiments and went on to say that she
feels incredibly blessed to be able to work with all of her families –
her immediate family, her Cupboard family, and the entire Clinton
community that has become like a family to her over the years.
Congratulations to The Cupboard on celebrating 47 years in
business. We hope to see 47 more! l
Hometown Clinton • 19